Destination Fiordland is encouraging locals to invite their friends and family to visit the region in a bid to breathe some much-needed love and life into the local economy this September school holidays. 

Fiordland relies heavily on tourism and this year has been difficult for the region. Not only was it hit hard by the February floods, just a few months later COVID-19 struck. 

But the region is resilient. The 'Host a Holiday' initiative aims to draw many new people in to see what Fiordland has to offer, while providing locals with something free-of-charge if they bring full paying out-of-towners to local business. 

Locals taking part will need to provide proof of residence within the Te Anau Basin, Manapouri or Milford Sound regions and are also being asked to write a review, blog or social media post about the business, to help keep the momentum going.

Seventeen local businesses have already jumped on board to be part of the programme.

Te Anau owner-operator Christine Wallace from Fiordland Outdoors Company said getting locals out to experience what Fiordland has to offer and bring all their friends, was a real win for businesses. 

“Word of mouth can be very powerful, and we’ve got a lot to see and do in Fiordland, still at a really affordable price.”

“We’ve got to keep coming up with these unique ideas because we’re in competition with every corner of New Zealand at the moment and we’re putting up our hand and saying 

‘here, pick Fiordland for your next holiday’,” she said.

Christine’s business provides guided tours in Fiordland including water transport for the Milford and Kepler tracks.

Others include fellow tourism operators, restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers and even the local cinema.  

To find out more information and view the full list of operators taking part, click here: https://www.fiordland.org.nz/about-destination-fiordland/latest-news/#host-a-holiday

Destination Fiordland General Manager Madeleine Peacock said she’s confident the initiative will give this resilient area a boost. 

“It’s all about getting in behind our hometowns. We know why Te Anau Fiordland are special. There’s never been a better time for locals to get out and about in their own backyards and we’re asking them to encourage friends from all around New Zealand to get down here while they can have the place to themselves! 

She said now that Domestic tourism is taking off with the borders closed, Fiordland needs to do all it can to make sure Kiwis are coming south this September school holidays.

“The scenery, the activities, our great food and accommodation and superb locals welcome have never changed, but with borders still closed there’s never been a better time to explore.

“Bring Mum, Dad, the kids and grandparents, we promise they’ll have a superb time.” 

Destination Fiordland Trade and Marketing Executive Gemma Heaney

said locals ‘hosting' friends and family did not mean they had to stay with them.She said visitors are also encouraged to make the most of the many great accommodation providers while in the area and book a stay with them.